" I didn’t want that kiss to ever stop. He didn’t seem to, either. But after a time, I realized the drumming sound I heard was not my heart, it was hoofbeats, and they were getting louder. We broke apart, and his breathing was as ragged as mine. We heard through the tent the guard stop the courier, and the courier’s response, “But I have to report right away!” A moment later the courier was in the tent, muddy to the chin, and weaving as he tried to stand at attention. “You said to return if I found Keira, or if I saw anything amiss,” he gasped out. “And?” Shevraeth prompted. “Streets are empty,” the courier said, knuckling his eyes. I winced in sympathy. “Arrived…second-gold. Ought to have been full. No one out. Not a dog or a cat. No sign of Keira, either. Didn’t try to speak to anyone. Turned around, rode back as fast as I could.” “Good. You did the right thing. Go to the cook tent and get something to eat. You’re off duty.” The courier bowed and withdrew, staggering once. Shevraeth looked grimly across the tent at me. “Ready for a ride? "